Be kind, work hard, advocate
Living a self-actualized life has a few simple rules; advocate for those who struggle to advocate for his or her self, work hard and to be kind. As I complete this journey of the last quarter-century of my life, I hold these rules vital to my preservation.
Without meaning, life is meaningless. A self-centered life focusing on self-achievement and wealth-attainment leaves the reciprocant empty, always searching for happiness in material things while craving the approval of others. A self-actualized person finds satisfaction in seeing others who struggle with major negative life-circumstances, and achieve in spite of his or her misfortune.
A self-actualized person offers a hand up to one less fortunate, not a handout and expects nothing in return. A self-centered person offers money and things to those struggling, expecting praise, adulation and pubic recognition for the smallest positive deed. Void of praise, the self-centered person demoralizes the one receiving his or her charity as worthless, unappreciative or unworthy of future gifts. Void of praise, the self-actualized individual accepts the simple act of kindness, praise enough for his or her efforts.
I often read in this paper about citizens who offer gifts, grants and financial support to local charities as a business strategy appearing to be philanthropic while caring little for the reciprocate of the gift. I also read about individuals and businesses that offer years of support for organizations anonymously caring only to help those in need, not expecting any recognition in return.
I am not suggesting that all who give then receive positive praise do so only for the praise or for financial benefit. I am challenging everyone who gives, to look inside one’s soul and determine the purpose of the gift. If one reconciles in one’s own being, that the gift is to improve the plight of one who needs a hand up, I applaud the giving.
If one first looks at one’s balance sheets, then determines the gift improves one’s profits, I challenge the giver to look deep inside one’s heart to determine if one is on a path that betters our world or damages one’s soul.
Nothing improves one’s attitude more than a hard day of work. When one gives his or her all, offers the best of oneself to his or her work and remains ethical, moral and honorable in one’s task, one becomes self-actualized. Working hard creates character. When one creates excuses, avoids hard work or simply slacks off, one loses value.
Platitudes and clichés protect those with a poor work ethic.
“If I don’t take care of myself first, I can’t take care of the ones I love.”
“If I don’t take a break every hour, I can’t offer you my best work.”
“I’m holding out for a management position.”
Each statement offers a fragment of truth while protecting the working from producing to one’s full ability.
At the end of a workday, a strong worker praises his or her peers for working strongly side-by-side each worker to produce a positive end result. A strong worker thinks little about the work he or she didn’t complete and talks about achievements and successes at work. A strong worker sleeps well every night.
Lastly, a self-actualized person is kind. A self-actualized person cares more about his or her friends, family, neighbors and coworkers than he or she cares about his or her own comfort. A self–actualized person brings out the best of those around him or her and a self-actualized person makes the world a better place. Be kind, work hard and advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves.
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Send comments or other suggestions to William Rutherford at bprutherford@hotmail.com or visit pensiveparenting.com.